Wednesday, 12 September 2007

Defining Moments within my Swiss Experience (SS) Part 1- "The Fat American"

I have learned and grown a lot during my short 2 years in Switzerland. This has been one rollercoaster of an experience and the following capture a few of those defining moments in my life, whether comical, difficult, or just a lesson learned.

While I was hired out of the Zürich office, I spent most of my time working in the Basel office, which, albeit the long commute, I quite enjoyed as I really like the people and environment there. Upon my first day, the Syngenta team was excited to take me out to lunch. After declining an invitation to the recently opened Burger King (which I thought was a joke, but later found out the partner was serious), me, one of the partners, and 2 Senior Managers went out to lunch. During lunch one colleague turned to me and said,

“Huh, you are not quite what we expected.” – Swiss colleagues
“Really, how so?” -me
“Well, you are American…we expected you would be fat.”

Oh, and so the stereotype goes…sadly it is quite true.
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Disclaimer of liability
As with all American things, I would like to direct your attention to the following disclaimer of liability prior to your reading of this blog.

#1: Please be aware that I write these posts keeping in mind that others may read them, and therefore try (key word "try") to make them somewhat entertaining. Therefore, while it is all true, I tend to put a very sarcastic twist on most of it, as is my nature. So, please do not find any offense to the following posts. If you do, then maybe we shouldn't be friends.

#2: For those of you who know me well, I have the attention span of a three-year old child and a pinball machine for a mind. I apologize in advance if I jump from one thought and/or event to the next. Please bear with me.

#3: For those of you who don't know me well, I really am a nice person..or so some tell me. So I hope I do not come across a bit strong. But do you really want to read a blog with the following: Today I took an airplane to Costa Rica. The woman I sat next to on the plane was very nice. We had an interesting conversation. The rainforests we drove through to the place I was staying were very beautiful. I am teaching at a school in Costa Rica. The children I work with are really great. Get the point?

#4: Yes, I do work. But I don't think you want to hear about my typical day of waking up at 5:30am going to work, sitting in front of a laptop for 12 hours doing very boring things, going to the gym, and then going to bed..often in a lonely hotel room, now do you?

#5 My intention of these posts is not to brag about all the places I have been. Believe me, living a nomadic lifestyle is a bit exhausting and often times I am even envious of those friends who are a bit more settled with their homes, friends, families, significant other, etc. In the journey of life, there are many paths to follow, and it is a good thing we do not all take the same one. Always keep in mind, the grass is always greener on the other side.I am therefore not liable for any offense taken.I hope you enjoy